Senior Technical Program Manager

Firestorm•San Diego, CA

9d•$155,000 - $195,000•Onsite

About The Position

As a Senior Technical Program Manager at Firestorm, you will take charge of mission-critical programs that push the boundaries of aerospace and defense technologies. You’ll be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end execution of complex projects, ensuring the seamless integration of technical, schedule, and cost objectives to deliver innovative, high-performance systems. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned program manager to influence key decisions, lead cross-functional teams, and drive both innovation and operational excellence in programs that directly impact national security. You will collaborate closely with Business Development, Operations, and Engineering teams, maintaining a strong focus on program execution, customer satisfaction, and delivering cutting-edge technologies that meet the highest standards.

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship required & the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance.
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
9+ years of experience leading and managing complex, technical programs, preferably in aerospace, defense, or electromechanical systems; Or, 13+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree).
Proven ability to integrate cost, schedule, and technical baselines for high-impact, cross-functional programs.
Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple teams and maintain stakeholder alignment.
Experience in preparing, reviewing, and submitting proposals and/or requests for quotes (RFQs) for aerospace or engineering programs.
Expertise in project management tools like Jira, MS Project, or equivalent, for managing complex projects.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, or an MBA.
Experience managing programs in a cross-functional, geographically dispersed environment.
Experience working with UAS and familiarity with DoD standards and regulations.
Ability to refine and develop processes, tools, and templates for more efficient program execution.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to mentor, lead, and motivate teams to success.
Experience with military personnel or defense contractors, particularly in managing complex defense programs.

Responsibilities

Create, maintain, and track detailed program schedules, budgets, and resource plans for global programs, guiding them from concept through New Product Introduction (NPI) and full deployment.
Advocate for program resources, budget, and priority, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and customer expectations.
Monitor and report on program and project status, highlighting key metrics and milestones, and driving accountability across teams.
Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate program risks, escalating when necessary to ensure that objectives are met on time and within budget.
Lead the development of solutions to resolve program issues, ensuring timely delivery, cost efficiency, and technical excellence.
Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and internal policies across all program phases.
Implement and oversee variant management strategies, ensuring seamless integration and delivery of tailored solutions.
Negotiate terms related to performance, delivery, and cost with Sales and Business Development, ensuring that all agreements align with program goals.
Act as the primary point of contact for coordination between engineering, product, manufacturing, quality, and business teams to drive collaboration and successful execution.
Act as the primary customer contact for program activities, including project and program reviews, ensuring strong communication and stakeholder satisfaction.
Partner with Marketing, Sales, and Business Development teams to produce customer-facing documentation, ensuring it aligns with program objectives and client needs.
Work and negotiate with vendors on contracts and agreements to secure necessary resources and services for program execution.
Coordinate planning, preparation, and execution of product demonstrations and test events, showcasing technical capabilities and meeting customer requirements.
Collaborate with Engineering teams to continually improve product offerings, advocating for new features and innovations that will benefit the program and exceed customer expectations.
Lead cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
Unlimited PTO
Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in December
Generous Parental Leave
FSA
HSA
Hospital Indemnity insurance
Critical Illness insurance
Accident insurance
Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.